February 10-16, 2005

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

City Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life

The Eagles lose to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. And poor Chuck Bednarik can't get anybody in the nursing home to high-five him.
Minus 10

Philadelphia has a booming movie-bootlegging industry. Really? Can you hear us laughing during Million Dollar Baby?
Plus 1

Mayor Street calls anti-smoking bill "the wave of the future." And by future, he means New York City, 2003.
Minus 1

El Wingador reclaims title at Wing Bowl. Unlike McNabb, he didn't even choke.
Plus 3

National expert proposes "no kill" plan for Philadelphia's animal shelters. "Without the threat of death, what will inspire these animals to pay their gas bills?" asks Tom Knudsen.
Even

Man sues Phillies for eye injury from being hit by a foul ball. "I'm a season-ticket holder," he says. "Please poke out the other eye, too."
Minus 1

Wing Bowl attendees throw beer and chant "U.S.A." at Sonya Thomas, last year's champ. Angelo Cataldi has her transported to Gitmo, looks into rumors that El Wingador is Mexican.
Minus 4

Former Daily News editor Zack Stalberg rumored to be taking a position at political watchdog group Committee of Seventy. Or, as it will soon be known, Committee of Steez.
Plus 1

The Super Bowl had better ratings in Philly than in Boston. Can we have a parade for that?
Even

Total pluses: 5
Total minuses: -16
This week's total: -11
Last week's total: -7